HR1321: HR1321 American Foundation for Suicide Prevention; Georgia chapter for leadership in suicide prevention; commend

26 LC 129 0921 House Resolution 1321 By: Representatives Holland of the 54th, Moore of the 91st, Lupton of the 83rd, Drenner of the 85th, and Roberts of the 52nd A RESOLUTION Recognizing and commending the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and its1 Georgia chapter for leadership in suicide prevention; and for other purposes.2 WHEREAS, suicide is a preventable public-health emergency that affects families in every3 region of this State and demands sustained attention to prevention, early identification, crisis4 response, and recovery supports; and5 WHEREAS, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) works to save lives6 and bring hope to those affected by suicide through research, e ducation, advocacy, and7 support for individuals and families; and8 WHEREAS, the Georgia chapter of AFSP mobilizes survivors, clini cians, educators,9 veterans, caregivers, and community leaders to advance evidence -informed suicide10 prevention and to support those impacted by suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and suicide11 loss; and12 WHEREAS, the Georgia chapter of AFSP is holding an Advocacy Action Day on February13 12, 2026, to share information and engage policymakers on pract ical, evidence-informed14 actions that save lives; and15 H. R. 1321 - 1 - 26 LC 129 0921 WHEREAS, the 2024 Georgia Student Health Survey indicates more than 73,000 of the16 State's 6th-12th grade students reported seriously considering attempting suicide in the past17 year; and18 WHEREAS, an analysis of Centers for Disease Control and Prevent ion mortality data19 reported that, over the ten-year period from 2014 to 2024, Georgia experienced the largest20 increase among the 50 states in the suicide rate among young ad ults ages 18 to21 27-approximately a 65 percent increase-during a period when many states saw declines for22 this age group; and23 WHEREAS, these indicators underscore an urgent, statewide preve ntion imperative:24 reducing suicide requires not only crisis response, but also ea rlier identification of risk,25 timely access to clinically appropriate care, and stronger prot ective factors in schools and26 communities-objectives advanced when public institutions, health systems, and community27 partners act with shared urgency and clear accountability; and28 WHEREAS, AFSP's prevention work-through public education, community programs, and29 volunteer engagement-helps reduce stigma, improve recognition o f warning signs, and30 connect individuals to help before a crisis becomes fatal; and31 WHEREAS, every Georgian should know that immediate help is available through the 98832 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, as well as specialized resources including the Veterans Crisis Line33 and the Crisis Text Line.34 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that35 the members of this body recognize and commend the American Fou ndation for Suicide36 H. R. 1321 - 2 - 26 LC 129 0921 Prevention and its Georgia chapter for their tireless leadership in suicide prevention and for37 bringing hope, support, and practical tools to Georgians affected by suicide.38 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the members of this body encourage all39 Georgians-families, schools, faith communities, employers, health care partners, and civic40 organizations-to promote help-seeking, share crisis resources, and ensure that individuals in41 distress are met with urgency, dignity, and support.42 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized43 and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution avai lable for distribution to the44 public and the press.45 H. R. 1321 - 3 -